Board said we have to play with given team: Liton Das

Bangladesh team captain Liton Das expressed his frustration with the board over team selection during a press conference ahead of the first match of the T20 series against Ireland, scheduled to begin in Chattogram on Wednesday, November 26.

Responding to a question about Shamim Hossain being dropped from the squad, Liton said, “It would definitely have been better if Shamim was in the team. But this is not my decision, it is entirely the selectors’ decision. I was not informed why he was excluded. I thought captains are usually informed about who is coming into or leaving the squad.”

Shamim was dropped due to poor recent form (scores of 0, 1 and 1 in his last three matches). However, Liton said there had been no discussion with him regarding the decision.

When asked whether his opinion is considered in team selection, Liton expressed further frustration: “The board directly informed me that I have to play with the team that is given to me. I will have no say in which player I want or do not want.”

He added, “As captain, you are supposed to have the chance to structure a team. But now I’ve learnt that my job is simply to get the best performance from whatever team I am given.”